The following section highlights the timeline for the PURPOSE Program starting in Spring 2024 semester for students.

Spring 2024: Fellows will work with the help of faculty mentors to develop an original research project to be implemented during a summer research practicum at local Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® sites. Additional support in writing the proposal will come from participating in a research methods course. Fellows will gain further research experience through apprenticeships on their mentor’s existing research projects.

Summer 2024: Fellows will participate in a service-learning research practicum at local Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools®. The goal will be to design research with input from community stakeholders including children from Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Fall 2024: Fellows will prepare graduate school applications and present completed research project at our local PURPOSE research conference. See prior posters by visiting our Research & Publications page.